How to Copy, Cut and Paste in Word

By Michelle Varsallona

Many keyboard shortcuts work universally in different operating systems, applications, Web browsers and email programs. Three of the most common give users the ability to cut, copy and paste text and images. These actions are basic to word processing with Microsoft Word, whichever version your computer runs.

Cut

Step 1

Open Microsoft Word on your computer.

Step 2

Open a document with text, or create a new document and type the information you would like to cut. "Cut" is not the same function as "Delete."

Step 3

Highlight the text that you want to cut. Place the cursor at one end of the text, then click and drag the cursor to the other end of the text. You may also place the cursor at one end of the text, then hold down the "Shift" key and click at the other end of the text to be selected.

Step 4

Right-click the highlighted text and select "Cut," or press the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl" + "X." You will see the text disappear, but have no fear. The text is actually stored on what's known as the "pasteboard"--in preparation for you to decide where it should be "pasted."

Copy

Step 1

Open Microsoft Word on your computer.

Step 2

Open a document with text, or create a new document and type the information you would like to copy.

Step 3

Highlight the text that you want to copy.

Step 4

Right-click the highlighted text and select "Copy," or press the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl" + "C." The highlighted text stays on the Word document but is also stored on the pasteboard so you can paste it into another document or text area.

Paste

Step 1

Copy or cut highlighted text from a Word document, email message or Web page. The cut, copy and paste functions work in virtually any computer application.

Step 2

Open a new Word document or an existing document to which you want to add the highlighted text.

Step 3

Place your cursor in the area where you want to paste the text.

Step 4

Right-click and select "Paste," or press the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl" + "V" to paste the text into the Word document. You can paste the same information repeatedly until you cut or copy a new item or text.